Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.
Planning Refusals for HMOs in England Double Since 2021
Planning refusals for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in England have more than doubled between 2021 and 2025, according to research by 1st Avenue. The number of refusals rose from 590 to 1,203 over this period.
The increase in planning refusals comes as more local councils introduce Article 4 directions, which restrict the conversion of properties into HMOs. 1st Avenue warns that these tighter controls could reduce the supply of legitimate, regulated shared housing and leave tenants with fewer affordable options.
This development is particularly relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as changes in HMO regulations and planning permissions can impact the availability and management of shared rental properties. The trend towards stricter planning controls may affect the supply of HMOs, potentially influencing rental markets and tenant choice in affected areas.
Source: Mortgage Strategy